"Beautiful Bourke Street and the wonders of Redfern East and West"

Redfern which was originally known as Strawberry Fields, is a mix of the 'eclectic', there are the old Italians and Greeks who have lived here for years, there are the older people alot of which are Russian who live in the Government Supported Housing, there are young upwardly mobile singles and young families with childen. Be sure though like any major capital city in the world, this inner suburb also has its share of drug addicts and brothels. This however helps in the fabric of what is a funky and cool comsopolitan lifestyle. If you've ever seen 'Pretty Woman', where the guy is walking down the Street saying Las Angeles the City where dreams come true, the same can be said of Redfern. It is a suburb where people come from all walks of life, however you could be Sydney's No. 1. Personality on AM Radio, a few well known TV identities, Movie Stars or Department of Housing residents, everyone treats everyone with respect and it is a fun place to be.
The Streets are really well kept by the City of Sydney and most have been landscaped and done up in the last 5 years, it is a green zone and extremely 'Pet' and 'Bicycle' friendly, one of the successful and liveable 'City of Villages' that the Sydney City Council has developed over the last 5 years.
There are amazing Farmers Markets at the Old Eveleigh Train Yards on the Weekends, to cool cafe's and restaurants hidden in Laneway's and back Streets. Lots of true artists and teachers live in and around Redfern, as well as our own Lord Mayor of Sydney.
There are chic ad agencies that create and set most of the trends that the rest of Australia takes on months after they have been the norm in little old Redfern.
There are institutions like "Roger" the best shoe repair man in the whole of Australia and Doytao Thai, the best Thai in Australia, There is 'M Mall' as it is affectionately known by the locals which is actually located in Redfern - but the Shopping Centre owners renamed it "Surry Hills Shopping Mall" 10 years ago - many a fun sight to be seen here, just pop in and sit down on one of the seats for an hour of people watching, its better than any reality TV show you'll ever see. There is Bar Cleveland which was named boutique pub of the year for a few years running, as well as 'Peters Seafood Fish and Chips' on Bourke Street best in the inner city. Nothing beats the First Drop or the Bull Penn for a coffee or Sunday brekky or brunch. Or Danks Street, Waterloo is just a hop skip and a jump around the corner and the Fashionable Shops and Pubs of Surry Hills.
All in all Redfern is a fantastic suburb of Sydney and if you've ever been to New York it is quite similar to parts of Brooklyn.

pigsringsI was going to write a review as I lived in East Redfern for the last 5 years, but after reading your review I realise I don't have to. You have said everything I wanted to say about it anyway! Well done.

2yrs+

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"An inner city suburb with a twist through change"

Redfern is becoming an inner city suburb on the watch! With recent developments, government changes, residential and commercial growth, it's fast becoming the new Surry Hills. I love living on the cusp of Surry hills and the city because it allows for the casual lifestyle while still being next door to the hustle and bustle. Soon to be developed is Green Square, neighbouring onto Waterloo, just past Redfern will see future growth, as will the recent investment of the Surry Hills Village Shopping Centre. Don't forget the rich index riots culture - you must engage to understand - I've learnt so much from the culture around me! Contrary to most belief, the area is quite safe, blame the media and unfortunately a toxic stigma matched to an area people know little about! All in all - Redfern is a place like no other, not to be missed!

Pros

Location

Art Galleries

Green Parks

Public Transport

Theatres

Cons

The stigma that is still there with some people. Most people who bag out Redfern have not been through it for many years.

"I live here because I have to"

I've lived here for six months and am thankfully leaving at the end of the week i was robbed on my third day here in broad daylight and people didn't care they just watched. The neighbours are very noisy and unapproachable. You can't even walk down your own street to the shops or railway station without being pestered for money or smokes I suggest you stay as far from this place as possible!

"Inner-city suburb that is very convenient"

Redfern is an inner-city suburb that is about a ten minutes' drive into the CBD or a five to ten minutes' train ride to Wynyard Station. Although Redfern is really close to the city, it has an image problem because of "The Block". However, things have changed and Redfern has gone through some serious gentrification over the years. Many young working professionals like living here because of its proximity to the city and it is a suburb that is well connected by public transport. The houses here are mainly terrace houses and there are plenty of heritage buildings that are now used for commercial purposes. Urbanisation has also resulted in residential apartments being built around the area.

Along the main streets of Redfern, you can find many shops, cafes, takeaway shops and pubs. Redfern is also a stone's throw from the Australian Technology Park. Despite its reputation, Redfern is a very convenient location.

"The best thing since sliced bread"

OMG.....3.5 years ago I move to Australia from living in a tiny little village in the UK. I never ever dreamed ina zillion years that I would end up living so close to the city centre and absolutely loving it! After renting in Surry Hills for 5 months and loving every minute of it I knoew that I had to live somewhere in Surry Hills West/South OR Redfern North......I fell for a block of units in redfern with a pool, gym, sauna and spa with oh so low strata fees so I was on a mission to buy...and I did...I made an offer the owners could not refuse and yes I thought I had paid $15,000 too much but only 2 months later, an identical unit but not modernised like mine, went for $5k more!!!!!! I love this area sooooooooooooooooo much. I walk home from the city at 1.30am every weekend and I am never affraid. It is so well lit and so clean and nice that noone bothers you. To me Redfern is THE place to be in Sydney for affordability, cleanliness and lifestyle and I am very suprised that when writing this it is only rated with 90%....it might not be 100% quite yet, but i would definately say it is now 95%......come and live here if you dont believe me. I will meet you for a drink in the wonderful Woolpack Pub on Chalmers St.

Pros

Location

Art Galleries

Green Parks

Public Transport

Cons

The stigma that is still there with some people. Most people who bag out Redfern have not been through it for many years.

"A Redfern potential purchaser"

I had lived in George Street in Redfern since 2006, and it is a perfectly positioned in arguably one of Redfern's finest streets. It is also a short walk to Prince Alfred Park, Central Station and the CBD. Recently, Prince Alfred Park has been fully renovated and there are a lot of more new shops, fitness centre opening in this area. I can easily drive or walk to Broadway shopping centre, Chinatown, University of Sydney, UTS and beaches.

Pros

It is closed to CBD & Chinatown & Train Stations.

The public park has included tennis court, swimming pool and soccer court.

"Redfern is a great place to live"

I've been living in Redfern for the past 6 years and during that time have seen some major changes. We were living in Surry Hills and paying rent so we decided to buy but couldn't afford to do so in Surry Hills. We decided to look at surburbs surronding the CBD. We are both working professionals in the City so we didn't want to travel to far. I'm so glad we made the move to Redfern. The area today is a young, vibrant area. There are lots of great coffee shops, there is a new bar DryLand which is similiar to the small bars you see in the City. Another one is due to open. For public transport there really is no better place to live. I don't even look at the train table as I know the train will stop at Redfern. Such a friendly suburb.

Pros

Public Transport

Green Parks

Coffee shops

Art Galleries

Location

Cons

The stigma that is still there with some people. Most people who bag out Redfern have not been through it for many years.

"Actors & Artists"

Excellent place for Actors, Artists, Chefs, Professionals & young families.
So many theatres, art galleries, markets, cafes, pubs and restaurants nearby and all within walking distance.
Not only a great place to live, but also an excellent suburb to invest in. Best streets to buy in are the northern side of Pitt & George Streets. You will love this eclectic suburb. I know I do.

ChrissylefilceHello, my name is Elyse, I'm originally from Paris in France and I am over here to join my son in Sydney for a few months, I am not very aquatinted with the Sydney area however someone suggested that I look in Redfern for a place to live as I want my son to have it when I go back to Paris. Could you possibly give me a greater insight into Redfern or perhaps suggest some other suitable place, it would be very much appreciated. ps sorry if my writing is not that good english is not my first language sincerely Elyse

2yrs+

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The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of Homely.com.au.Report

"its not too bad but.."

Lived there for six years and im moving back at the end of the month to be closer to work, not actually as bad as its reputation has you believe.
Still i wouldnt live a stones throw away from the station (theres a reason the cop shop was moved to across the road) and anywhere near Eveleigh street.

Otherwise all good just dont leave anything at all in your car.ever. it will be gone in the morning if you do.

"Excellent Place for young professionals"

My wife and I have been living in Redfern for more that a year and a half now. We just love the convenience that Redfern has to offer . Its almost as convience as the city but without the rat race traffic and noise associated with city living. It other words, it has the best from both worlds. 5 minutes walk to the Train station, 10 minutes walk to Sydney Uni, Chinatown, 15minutes to Darling harbour CBD and work. With prince Alfred park and Redfern park just minutes away and Centennial park just a short bike ride. In terms of location wise does not get much better Redfern, unless you pay multimillion dollars to live in the CBD. I initially thought that safety and security could be an issue. but I have been surprise to see it is quite a safe place to live. The streets has been cleared up so much since my university days at the Sydney uni. Just another evening I saw young female student strolling to the station at night without fear. just 7 years ago, I wouldn't even do that with a group of male colleagues. that really says a lot about the improvement of Redfern as a whole.

"I LIVED HERE - I KNOW !!!!"

I lived above the bike shop ( corner of Regent & Cleavland St). Fantastic for walking to work, 2mins from Central Station, the access to restaurants & bars is 2nd to none. Its safe, affordable & has great community spirit. Only reason for leaving was relocation with work.
A must for singles & couples who are working, studying & enjoy great pubs & eating out..